Vincent Assafuah petitions Mahama over ‘desecration’ of Independence Square by foreign gay couple

The Member of Parliament for Old Tafo constituency in the Ashanti region, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to condemn the use of Ghana’s Independence Square in Accra by two foreign male nationals to promote homosexuality.

Mr Assafuah, in a Facebook post on Thursday, June 26, announced that he had petitioned President Mahama on the matter.

His reaction follows a viral video showing two alleged foreign gay men kissing and celebrating what appears to be a wedding ceremony at Ghana’s Independence Square, with the national flag visibly displayed in the background.

He has thus challenged President Mahama to take urgent steps to ensure the passage of Ghana’s anti-gay bill into law to deal with such situations.

The video has since sparked public outrage online, reigniting debates around Ghana’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights and the symbolism of national monuments.

In the petition shared on Facebook, the young MP cum lawyer said the photographs of the young gay couple taken “at the Independence Square and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum site represent not only our freedom, but our national pride and the sacrifices of our forefathers.”

“This is not just a social issue; it is a moral assault and a spiritual insult to the conscience of our nation.

Vincent Assafuah is the second NPP lawmaker to comment on the development. Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, accused President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of fostering what he terms as a blatant disregard for Ghana’s cultural values.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, 26 June, the Assin South MP described the act as a “desecration” of one of Ghana’s most sacred national monuments.

“Under Mahama & NDC, foreign gay couple boldly desecrate our national monuments: kiss under Independence Square flaunting Ghana flag,” he wrote.

“They’re emboldened to defy the dignity and sanctity of our rich Ghanaian values right before our eyes.”

Rev. Fordjour attributed the incident to what he called the NDC’s “leniency” on LGBTQ+ issues, arguing that such public displays defy the nation’s moral fabric and identity.

He insisted that the event highlights the urgent need for legislative action, reiterating his support for the anti-LGBTQ+ bill currently before Parliament.

“We shall end this absurdity with the bill,” he asserted.

Parliament is yet to take a final vote on the controversial bill, which seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ advocacy and activities in Ghana.

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